RIYADH (Reuters] – The chief of the biggest international airline trade association said that on Monday, passenger traffic had been recovering more quickly than expected. He also stated that on an average basis, 2023 could see the industry return to its pre-pandemic level. That’s one year earlier than was expected.

A reduction in COVID-19 restrictions has led to an increase of flights.

Willie Walsh (Director General, International Air Transport Association) told Reuters that while the industry is facing new challenges such as rising oil prices, inflation, and a shortage of workers the outlook for the near future remains positive.

“We’re seeing very strong bookings. He said that all airline CEOs he spoke to were seeing strong demand.

While many regions will perform well this year, Walsh warned that there is no quick recovery in Asia-Pacific. He cited restrictions in China’s zero-COVID policies.

He said, however, that the industry may reach pre-pandemic levels next year if it continues to experience an accelerated pickup in passenger traffic. This will be helped by the strong summer of 2023.

“I think it’s important not to lose sight of the fact we are experiencing a strong recovery, and I believe that that recovery will gain momentum as we move through this year and into 2023.”

Separately, Jozsef Valradi, Wizz Air’s Chief Executive said that he believed the European low-cost carrier would have a great summer bookings. But he also expressed concerns about possible disruptions to supply chains such as staffing shortages.

You will not only have lots of customers, but also supply chain and cost problems. It’s going be an interesting mix of customers and suppliers this summer.